Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
What Causes Swelling In Ankles And Feet After Undergoing A Neck Surgery?
My father had surgery on a pinched nerve in his neck He is 74 years old and is borderline diabetic. He could hardly walk before the surgery and its been 5 months and the last week his ankles and feet turned a dark red and are very swollen? Is this normal?
thank you for providing the brief history of your father.
A thorough neuromuscular assessment is advised.
As you mentioned your father had surgery of the cervical spine and he is diabetic borderline with age of 74 years, there is nothing to worry with the swelling.
As your father is 74 and not mobile, there will be a reduced venous return which leads to swelling in the lower limbs (Ankle). Also, for this you can keep the leg elevated on the pillow above the level of the heart and the swelling will come down.
You can take suggestion from your neuro about undergoing physical therapy, as with physical therapy the metabolism will improve and normal muscle property will be maintained. Also the venous return and haemodynamics will improve.
since your father has undergone surgery and now under rest, having distal limb swelling is common. Keeping the legs elevated over a pillow above the level of the heart should help reduce swelling.
Also, post discharge undergoing physical therapy will him functionally active.
Regards Jay Indravadan Patel
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Causes Swelling In Ankles And Feet After Undergoing A Neck Surgery?
Hi, thank you for providing the brief history of your father. A thorough neuromuscular assessment is advised. As you mentioned your father had surgery of the cervical spine and he is diabetic borderline with age of 74 years, there is nothing to worry with the swelling. As your father is 74 and not mobile, there will be a reduced venous return which leads to swelling in the lower limbs (Ankle). Also, for this you can keep the leg elevated on the pillow above the level of the heart and the swelling will come down. You can take suggestion from your neuro about undergoing physical therapy, as with physical therapy the metabolism will improve and normal muscle property will be maintained. Also the venous return and haemodynamics will improve. Regards Jay Indravadan Patel